Maize starch, also known as corn starch, is a white, flavorless, and odorless carbohydrate powder extracted from the starchy endosperm of the corn kernel. It is widely used as a thickening agent in cooking, a binding or filler in the pharmaceutical industry, and in various industrial applications like paper and textile manufacturing. When heated with water, it forms a viscous gel that adds texture to products like sauces, gravies, and puddings.